For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2021-22&version=NIV
Two readings for the weekend: Genesis 21 and Genesis 22. They revolve around Isaac, though there are a couple of accounts sprinkled in about Hagar and Ishmael as well as Abraham and Abimelech. There are some troubling aspects to these stories that don't sit well if read quickly and dismissed without some reflection, so I recommend carving out a little time to prayerfully read these stories, especially chapter 22.
You'll see how God answers prayers even if long in coming; you'll see Abraham's faith has truly matured (far beyond mine!) and you'll see some interesting aspects to God's character.
For the weekend, questions, comments, applications...
Have a great weekend...worship the Lord...fellowship with other believers...enjoy God's blessings!
Prayers,
Matt
5.28.2010
5.27.2010
GENESIS 20
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+20&version=NIV
Not again! Abraham gets he and Sarah and others into a mess by having Sarah pose as his sister (remember chapter 12 in Egypt?). Verse 13 tells us that Abraham had this as a guiding principle in order to protect him from his fears. How's that working out, Abraham?
Once again, it is God's promises that carry things forward and God's intervention that offer protection of His will and people, though not without pain and consequences for unfaithful choices and actions.
Notice the maturity of Abimelech in this story too, in spite of Abraham's assumption that there would be 'no fear of God in this place.'
Thoughts, questions, applications...
Prayers,
Matt
Not again! Abraham gets he and Sarah and others into a mess by having Sarah pose as his sister (remember chapter 12 in Egypt?). Verse 13 tells us that Abraham had this as a guiding principle in order to protect him from his fears. How's that working out, Abraham?
Once again, it is God's promises that carry things forward and God's intervention that offer protection of His will and people, though not without pain and consequences for unfaithful choices and actions.
Notice the maturity of Abimelech in this story too, in spite of Abraham's assumption that there would be 'no fear of God in this place.'
Thoughts, questions, applications...
Prayers,
Matt
5.26.2010
GENESIS 19
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+19&version=NIV
Two stories in chapter 19: the first is the account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the second is the episode of Lot and his two daughters. There are connections between the two stories, however, and much to reflect on theologically. For example, how does what we have read of Lot, his decision-making, leading to his residing in Sodom and Gomorrah, impact what happens in both stories of chapter 19? What is Abraham's role in all this and how does it relate to God's initial call on his life in 12:1-3? Etc.
These are some of the stories that have fascinated readers including me...but more importantly, they show us truths about God, humanity, and what it means to live for God or not.
Thoughts, questions, applications...
Prayers,
Matt
Two stories in chapter 19: the first is the account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the second is the episode of Lot and his two daughters. There are connections between the two stories, however, and much to reflect on theologically. For example, how does what we have read of Lot, his decision-making, leading to his residing in Sodom and Gomorrah, impact what happens in both stories of chapter 19? What is Abraham's role in all this and how does it relate to God's initial call on his life in 12:1-3? Etc.
These are some of the stories that have fascinated readers including me...but more importantly, they show us truths about God, humanity, and what it means to live for God or not.
Thoughts, questions, applications...
Prayers,
Matt
5.25.2010
GENESIS 18
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+18&version=NIV
Abraham and Sarah get visited by 3 men who turn out to be more than ordinary. This visit is far better than the visit Lot will have by 2 less than ordinary men in the next chapter. In ch. 18 we hear, as does Sarah, a reaffirmation of God's promise to the elderly couple to bear a child. As Abraham laughed earlier, Sarah laughs, and is held accountable for it.
God takes His promises very seriously and, as always, expects us to trust Him. We sometimes do pretty well at trusting, but not always.
In this chapter, Abraham also serves as a man of prayer for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham seems to be the compassionate one here, but at the end, we get the feeling God had it designed all along, and simply wanted Abraham to be involved in being the blessing God called him to be in chapter 12:1-3.
Thoughts, questions, applications...
Enjoy the day!
Prayers,
Matt
Abraham and Sarah get visited by 3 men who turn out to be more than ordinary. This visit is far better than the visit Lot will have by 2 less than ordinary men in the next chapter. In ch. 18 we hear, as does Sarah, a reaffirmation of God's promise to the elderly couple to bear a child. As Abraham laughed earlier, Sarah laughs, and is held accountable for it.
God takes His promises very seriously and, as always, expects us to trust Him. We sometimes do pretty well at trusting, but not always.
In this chapter, Abraham also serves as a man of prayer for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham seems to be the compassionate one here, but at the end, we get the feeling God had it designed all along, and simply wanted Abraham to be involved in being the blessing God called him to be in chapter 12:1-3.
Thoughts, questions, applications...
Enjoy the day!
Prayers,
Matt
5.24.2010
GENESIS 17
For NIV reading, click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+17&version=NIV
Like chapter 15, this is another chapter on covenant between God and Abram...he and Sarai get their names changed, God lays out the expectations on all those involved in order to keep the covenant (notice all the "as for me," "as for you," "as for Sarai," etc). Then the whole relationship is sealed by circumcision.
A hugely important chapter in Genesis and for all the Bible. Covenant is a major theological theme throughout and helps us understand more clearly what is involved in relationship with God, and clarifies what faith means...not just believing something or even believing in someone, but believing in someone enough to live for Him in a promise-keeping relationship.
Comments, questions, etc.
Prayers,
Matt
Like chapter 15, this is another chapter on covenant between God and Abram...he and Sarai get their names changed, God lays out the expectations on all those involved in order to keep the covenant (notice all the "as for me," "as for you," "as for Sarai," etc). Then the whole relationship is sealed by circumcision.
A hugely important chapter in Genesis and for all the Bible. Covenant is a major theological theme throughout and helps us understand more clearly what is involved in relationship with God, and clarifies what faith means...not just believing something or even believing in someone, but believing in someone enough to live for Him in a promise-keeping relationship.
Comments, questions, etc.
Prayers,
Matt
5.21.2010
GENESIS 16
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+16&version=NIV
Not quite the radically trusting man and woman of faith reflected in 15:6! But very human, very much like us with some doubts and problems with God's timing. So Sarai takes initiative and gets Abram to sleep with Sarai's maidservant (an easy sell?) and she bears a son (Ishmael) but then begins to 'despise' Sarai, so Saria 'mistreats' her. All this with 86 year old Abram's knowledge/permission.
God comes to Hagar the maidservant (like He did to Abram?) and informs her of His plan for her life...they don't sound so comforting on the surface, do they? But she seems greatful? And she 'gives a name to the Lord.' !!!
Have a wonderful day!
Prayers,
Matt
Not quite the radically trusting man and woman of faith reflected in 15:6! But very human, very much like us with some doubts and problems with God's timing. So Sarai takes initiative and gets Abram to sleep with Sarai's maidservant (an easy sell?) and she bears a son (Ishmael) but then begins to 'despise' Sarai, so Saria 'mistreats' her. All this with 86 year old Abram's knowledge/permission.
God comes to Hagar the maidservant (like He did to Abram?) and informs her of His plan for her life...they don't sound so comforting on the surface, do they? But she seems greatful? And she 'gives a name to the Lord.' !!!
Have a wonderful day!
Prayers,
Matt
5.20.2010
GENESIS 15
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+15&version=NIV
In this chapter, Abram begins to wonder about God's promises, especially of fathering any children. Abram looks at his life and sees other ways in which God could fulfull His promises, and even has some suggestions for God:) I suppose we do this, too.
God reiterates His promises and Abram responds much like Zechariah and Mary each do in the first couple of chapters of Luke.
Abram chooses to trust God, and v. 6 marks how Abram will be remembered for centuries.
God responds with a covenant shrouded in mystery.
Great chapter. May God speak into your heart through His Word today.
Comments, questions, ways of living the text...
Prayers,
Matt
In this chapter, Abram begins to wonder about God's promises, especially of fathering any children. Abram looks at his life and sees other ways in which God could fulfull His promises, and even has some suggestions for God:) I suppose we do this, too.
God reiterates His promises and Abram responds much like Zechariah and Mary each do in the first couple of chapters of Luke.
Abram chooses to trust God, and v. 6 marks how Abram will be remembered for centuries.
God responds with a covenant shrouded in mystery.
Great chapter. May God speak into your heart through His Word today.
Comments, questions, ways of living the text...
Prayers,
Matt
5.19.2010
GENESIS 14
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+14&version=NIV
Lots of strange names and activity...if you know someone looking for a name for their newborn, you might want to point them here:) International history connects with the history of this family through which God has planned to reach the world.
This chapter shows kings at battle leading to the pillaging of Sodom and Gomorrah where Lot had settled. Abram and some trained family pursue Lot's rescue.
This all leads to a noble encounter with a king named Melchizedek.
Abram once again shows himself living a little closer to the man of character that seemed to be missing a bit in the 'say-you're-my-sister' story.
Thoughts, questions, etc.
Prayers,
Matt
Lots of strange names and activity...if you know someone looking for a name for their newborn, you might want to point them here:) International history connects with the history of this family through which God has planned to reach the world.
This chapter shows kings at battle leading to the pillaging of Sodom and Gomorrah where Lot had settled. Abram and some trained family pursue Lot's rescue.
This all leads to a noble encounter with a king named Melchizedek.
Abram once again shows himself living a little closer to the man of character that seemed to be missing a bit in the 'say-you're-my-sister' story.
Thoughts, questions, etc.
Prayers,
Matt
5.18.2010
GENESIS 13
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2013&version=NIV
Abram and Lot
A lighter-feeling story than the one with Abram and Sarai in Egypt. Here, Abram and Lot have to figure out how to locate themselves considering their great wealth in animals. Abram seems a little more level-headed here.
Doc, good question about 'calling on the name of the Lord' (see yesterday's comments). Up to this point, the phrase has a broad range of meanings and refers to worshp and gratitude as well as recognizing and declaring God's presence in a place, and prayer as well. The Hebrew qara means to proclaim, call, cry, name...
Other references like Joel have more of a specific context of crying out for deliverance...
Comments, questions, etc.
Prayers,
Matt
Abram and Lot
A lighter-feeling story than the one with Abram and Sarai in Egypt. Here, Abram and Lot have to figure out how to locate themselves considering their great wealth in animals. Abram seems a little more level-headed here.
Doc, good question about 'calling on the name of the Lord' (see yesterday's comments). Up to this point, the phrase has a broad range of meanings and refers to worshp and gratitude as well as recognizing and declaring God's presence in a place, and prayer as well. The Hebrew qara means to proclaim, call, cry, name...
Other references like Joel have more of a specific context of crying out for deliverance...
Comments, questions, etc.
Prayers,
Matt
5.17.2010
GENESIS 12:10-20
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+12%3A10-20&version=NIV
Curious about your thoughts on this story.
Abram and family still travelling about due to famine. Here Abram is worried about Sarai's beauty.
What does this story add to our understanding of Genesis, what God has been doing, etc.
Comments, questions.
Have a great day!
Prayers,
Matt
Curious about your thoughts on this story.
Abram and family still travelling about due to famine. Here Abram is worried about Sarai's beauty.
What does this story add to our understanding of Genesis, what God has been doing, etc.
Comments, questions.
Have a great day!
Prayers,
Matt
5.14.2010
GENESIS 12:1-9
Here is the NIV reading...
1 The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.
1 The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.
2 "I will make you into a great nation
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you."
4 So Abram left, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.
6 Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 The LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your offspring I will give this land." So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.
8 From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD. 9 Then Abram set out and continued toward the Negev.
With this story of Abram's call, God begins His long term project to bring the world back to Himself by working with creation and humanity in particular. There will be tremendous ups and downs, disappointments, great victories, tense moments, and most of all, a God who makes promises and keeps them even when we don't. There will be people of incredible, though sometimes imperfect faith, and those who have a faith that sometimes falters, but God remains steady. Genesis 12-50 is the beginning of God's salvation that reaches all of us.
Comments, questions, applications...
Prayers,
Matt
5.13.2010
GENESIS 11:1-9 AND 11:10-32
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2011:1-32&version=NIV
Read it in two sections, first 11:1-9 which is the Tower of Babel story. Then read the genealogical sections that leads up to Abram.
11:1-9 starts out pretty good, up through verse 3, then, like the chapters that come before it, humanity goes off track:
(1) 9:1, 7 suggest they are supposed to be scattered ('fill the earth...'), not huddled together for themselves
(2) what makes them (us) think we can build anything that gets us to God?!
(3) what makes us think that living for 'ourselves' moves us heavenward?
(4) v. 5 is a laughable reminder that where God is, is so completely beyond reach by human effort that even with humanity huddled together and working together with technology ('bricks' not stone) we are so far from God that God has to 'come down' to us to see what's going on!
(5) v. 6 might suggest that God is afraid of humanity's potential, but I think it's more that God is afraid for them.
(6) So, God scatters their language and their bodies, perhaps hoping they will fill the earth and faithfully subdue it as they/we are supposed to rather than always living for ourselves and our pride.
Lots more here...your thoughts, questions, ideas for living the text...
Prayers,
Matt
Read it in two sections, first 11:1-9 which is the Tower of Babel story. Then read the genealogical sections that leads up to Abram.
11:1-9 starts out pretty good, up through verse 3, then, like the chapters that come before it, humanity goes off track:
(1) 9:1, 7 suggest they are supposed to be scattered ('fill the earth...'), not huddled together for themselves
(2) what makes them (us) think we can build anything that gets us to God?!
(3) what makes us think that living for 'ourselves' moves us heavenward?
(4) v. 5 is a laughable reminder that where God is, is so completely beyond reach by human effort that even with humanity huddled together and working together with technology ('bricks' not stone) we are so far from God that God has to 'come down' to us to see what's going on!
(5) v. 6 might suggest that God is afraid of humanity's potential, but I think it's more that God is afraid for them.
(6) So, God scatters their language and their bodies, perhaps hoping they will fill the earth and faithfully subdue it as they/we are supposed to rather than always living for ourselves and our pride.
Lots more here...your thoughts, questions, ideas for living the text...
Prayers,
Matt
5.11.2010
GENESIS 10
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+10&version=NIV
I know reading a genealogy isn't necessarily something that keeps us at the edge of our seat, but take a look at the historical comments, especially vv. 5, 8-12, 18-19, and 32.
Geneaologies are one of the most important parts that keep the whole book of Genesis together. There are 10 of them each introducing a certain line of the family leading to one person/family that the next part of the story will be focused on...in this case, the line of Shem that the next chapter will tell us leads to Abram.
One thing to notice is how it is often the unexpected younger brother whom God works through to advance His will. The normal, worldly expected way is for the firstborn son to be the one who is 'chosen.' But God often works through the unexpected, and less important. Reminds us of 1 Corinthians 1:18-30.
Have a great day.
Prayers,
Matt
I know reading a genealogy isn't necessarily something that keeps us at the edge of our seat, but take a look at the historical comments, especially vv. 5, 8-12, 18-19, and 32.
Geneaologies are one of the most important parts that keep the whole book of Genesis together. There are 10 of them each introducing a certain line of the family leading to one person/family that the next part of the story will be focused on...in this case, the line of Shem that the next chapter will tell us leads to Abram.
One thing to notice is how it is often the unexpected younger brother whom God works through to advance His will. The normal, worldly expected way is for the firstborn son to be the one who is 'chosen.' But God often works through the unexpected, and less important. Reminds us of 1 Corinthians 1:18-30.
Have a great day.
Prayers,
Matt
5.10.2010
GENESIS 8:20-9:29
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+8%3A20-9%3A29&version=NIV
Today's reading is the rest of the story of Noah and the flood. It includes some of the themes we've read about already: be fruitful and multiply, God provides all we need, significance of being created in God's image as well as some new themes like covenant.
Noah's drunken and naked episode is an interesting ending to the story...
Side note: there have been emails and reports of Noah's ark being found...heard this? thoughts?
Thoughts, questions, ways of living the text...
Prayers,
Matt
Today's reading is the rest of the story of Noah and the flood. It includes some of the themes we've read about already: be fruitful and multiply, God provides all we need, significance of being created in God's image as well as some new themes like covenant.
Noah's drunken and naked episode is an interesting ending to the story...
Side note: there have been emails and reports of Noah's ark being found...heard this? thoughts?
Thoughts, questions, ways of living the text...
Prayers,
Matt
5.07.2010
GENESIS 6:1-8:19
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=GENESIS%206:1-8:19&version=NIV
Begins with a very strange story about the Nephilim...lots of speculation about it. Then, the story of Noah and the flood which has always both been a story I liked and disliked.
Genesis continues to show the downward spiral of seeking life and wisdom and personal pursuits apart from God's will...something we still do today.
But always there is God's grace and justice that come, both expressions of His sovereignty and love.
Thoughts, questions, applications...today and over the weekend.
May you have a blessed weekend!
Prayers,
Matt
Begins with a very strange story about the Nephilim...lots of speculation about it. Then, the story of Noah and the flood which has always both been a story I liked and disliked.
Genesis continues to show the downward spiral of seeking life and wisdom and personal pursuits apart from God's will...something we still do today.
But always there is God's grace and justice that come, both expressions of His sovereignty and love.
Thoughts, questions, applications...today and over the weekend.
May you have a blessed weekend!
Prayers,
Matt
5.06.2010
GENESIS 4:17-5:32
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+4%3A17-5%3A32&version=NIV
After a brief story about Lamech, much of this is genealogy as we follow the line of the human family that leads to Noah which will prepare us for the story of Noah.
This reading is different, but nonetheless serves really important purposes.
Thoughts...
Have a wonderful day.
Prayers,
Matt
After a brief story about Lamech, much of this is genealogy as we follow the line of the human family that leads to Noah which will prepare us for the story of Noah.
This reading is different, but nonetheless serves really important purposes.
Thoughts...
Have a wonderful day.
Prayers,
Matt
5.05.2010
GENESIS 4:1-16 Cain and Abel
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+4%3A1-16&version=NIV
Notice this is the first time 'sin' is mentioned.
Notice how 'sin' is described.
Notice how God stays in dialogue with Cain throughout.
Notice who is described as getting angry and who isn't.
Notice how personal sin involves to relational sin.
Notice how sensitive Cain is to his own pain, yet has no regard for Abel's.
Notice God's grace even in judgment.
Such a powerful story.
Thoughts, observations, questions...
Prayers,
Matt
Notice this is the first time 'sin' is mentioned.
Notice how 'sin' is described.
Notice how God stays in dialogue with Cain throughout.
Notice who is described as getting angry and who isn't.
Notice how personal sin involves to relational sin.
Notice how sensitive Cain is to his own pain, yet has no regard for Abel's.
Notice God's grace even in judgment.
Such a powerful story.
Thoughts, observations, questions...
Prayers,
Matt
5.04.2010
GENESIS 3
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3&version=NIV
Thought neither the word 'fall' nor 'sin' appear in this chapter, it has traditionally been described as the story of The Fall or the story of 'Original Sin,' and it certainly functions in that way.
It is an amazing chapter rich in layers of theology and a deep understanding what and how we all are in our relationship to God, others, and ourselves.
Your reflections, questions, possible applications...
Thought neither the word 'fall' nor 'sin' appear in this chapter, it has traditionally been described as the story of The Fall or the story of 'Original Sin,' and it certainly functions in that way.
It is an amazing chapter rich in layers of theology and a deep understanding what and how we all are in our relationship to God, others, and ourselves.
Your reflections, questions, possible applications...
5.03.2010
GENESIS 2:4-25
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2%3A4-25&version=NIV
We can go ahead and read the next section...I might come back to Friday's reading, though, and make more comments on the text and its theology. It's in many ways foundational to the rest of the Bible, certainly the rest of Genesis-Deuteronomy and Joshua.
One of the things I'd really like to encourage us to do is to come to some theological conclusions about the text we are reading. That just means answering the question: based on the reading, what are some things you could say are true about God and His relationship with us (including commands, promises, saving activity, grace, etc.)?
Have a phenomenal day!
Prayers,
Matt
We can go ahead and read the next section...I might come back to Friday's reading, though, and make more comments on the text and its theology. It's in many ways foundational to the rest of the Bible, certainly the rest of Genesis-Deuteronomy and Joshua.
One of the things I'd really like to encourage us to do is to come to some theological conclusions about the text we are reading. That just means answering the question: based on the reading, what are some things you could say are true about God and His relationship with us (including commands, promises, saving activity, grace, etc.)?
Have a phenomenal day!
Prayers,
Matt
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